Haute couture does a good deed

By
WITH ANALYSIS FROM MONITOR CORRESPONDENTS AROUND THE WORLD,
EDITED BY RUTH WALKER /
March 13, 1980

Irving, Texas

The word "fashionable" may never be added to the list of Boy Scout virtues that includes "brave, clean, and reverent" but the Boy Scouts of America are updating their look with the help of a famous designer.

They have enlisted Oscar de la Renta to design their new uniforms. It's the first time the Scouts have completely overhauled their look in 58 years.

J. Jay Cassen, national director of BSA's supply division, said, "We felt the uniform should be suitable for strenuous activity; it should be made from easy-care fabric, and at the same time the wearer should still look like a Scout." The basic components of the Boy Scout, Explorer Scout, and male-adult-leader uniforms were khaki-tan shirts with long or short sleeves and olive-drab green trousers and shorts with cargo pockets. Cub Scouts will wear similarly styled uniforms in navy blue. The new uniforms include baseball-style caps.